About Us:

Greg Heifner : Founder / CEO
Greg Heifner is one of the pioneers in the satellite industry. Beginning in 1980, Heifner Communications broke new ground in the industry and became the leading providers of satellite based cable television services and technology throughout the 90's. Then in 2001, as a direct response to 9/11, we became Orbital Data Net (ODN). With the goal of using satellite to restore broken communication links for emergency responders, ODN has now become well established in providing satellite solutions to educators, governments and commercial enterprise.  , 

Mr. Heifner is well versed in using technology to solve unusual problems. With a long history in engineering, he established many of the standards in the distribution of satellite television channels to commercial markets. He co-developed and distributed the first "stacked LNB" technology as well as the first fiber optic distribution system designed for digital broadcasters such as DirecTV. Over the years, Heifner Communications and now, ODN have interfaced with corporate, state and federal governmental entities on a variety of very important projects. ODN is now considered the only approved satellite technology for emergency radio trunking by the leaders in P25 radio networks. 

Mr. Heifner and ODN has finished the first phase of the Louisiana Emergency Satellite Communications Network for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. This project was a result of a very novel approach and has sustained Louisiana through several hurricanes successfully. Mr. Heifner has extended this network now to agencies within the State of Missouri. Minnesota, Illinois, Mississippi and to emergency responders throughout the country. 

It is not all about telephones and radios though, Mr. Heifner is currently working on a project with NASA, to provide a live satellite backbone for a sophisticated radiation monitoring network to be used for spacecraft launches that involve nuclear materials. This same network has ramifications for protecting the public from many kinds of radiation dangers.

In summary, Mr. Heifner;
• Is a recognized industry leader in the area of satellite communications and media.
• Is the previous owner and founder of nation’s largest satellite programming provider to the
wireless and private cable market.
• Is a noted engineer in the area of satellite communications and new product development.
• Is a consultant for national and international equipment providers.
• Has developed engineering training programs for over 400 commercial satellite/cable
dealers and property owners.
• Is a Charter Board member of the Independent Cable & Telecommunications Association,
Washington DC (1996), and led the DBS task force, charged with negotiating with the
primary high-powered satellite providers for signal resources.
• Was an Instructor for the Satellite Broadcasters and Communications Association MDU
Broadband Distribution Networks, (1996 - 2000).
• Was the winner in 1994 of the United States Chamber of Commerce “Blue Chip Award” for
innovation in the telecommunications field.
• Is listed in “Who’s Who, In Leading American Executives”.
• Flies and designs large scale amateur rockets
• He is a published and recognized aerial and underwater photographer
• Experienced multi-engine instrument rated pilot., with FAI Gold Badge for Soaring
• Is a rated dive master and underwater photographer 

John Wolff : Chairman of the Board
John Wolff has recently accepted the position of Chairman of the Board for Orbital Data Net, Inc., [ODN] a privately held company focused on providing emergency management communications, business continuity and remote communications. ODN is a recognized leader in the commercial satellite industry focused on the design of two-way satellite links, or VSAT technology. Their satellite network provides full communications, [VPN data, voice, radio and cellular] when traditional systems fail or are unavailable.

Prior to founding Southwest Investment and Development, John spent 35 years in the telecommunications industry. He was the COO for Citizens Communications, [CZN] one of the largest rural communications companies in the United States. Under his leadership he was responsible for over $3 billion in revenue and 5,500 employees. John doubled the size of Citizens under his direction as a result of aggressive sales and marketing programs, along with the acquisition of Frontier Communications in Rochester, NY. This $3.3 billion dollar acquisition resulted in a net gain of over 1 million access lines. Efficiencies that were implemented with the integration of Frontier into Citizens, enabled the company to realize a 52% EBITDA performance in 2002.

John was also a Founder and Executive Officer for Electric Lightwave, Inc. [ELI], a CLEC in the Northwest. As an early stage startup in 1994, Mr. Wolff spearheaded the growth of ELI  to over $200 million in sales in just six years. He guided the company through a successful IPO in 1998 and established a strong Western market presence in 28 markets. He also worked in the wireless industry in various senior level positions for 9 years for the Metromedia Company and Southwestern Bell. John started his telecommunications career with AT&T in 1969 in their Executive Development Program directly out of college. During his 16 years with AT&T, John gained valuable managerial experience in Sales, Marketing, Operations, Training and lead several senior level task force teams associated with the Divestiture Reorganization of the Bell System.

Currently President and Managing Partner for Southwest Investment and Development, LLC, a real estate investment Partnership, that also manages and builds the improvements and infrastructure of the property. His team of professionals also builds high-end Tuscany style homes in the Texas Hill Country. Villaggio Homes, a subsidiary of Southwest Investment and Development, is a Preferred Builder in several upscale residential projects, one being  Escondido, a private lakeside golf preserve in Horseshoe Bay.

He is a graduate of Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science degree in management. John has held numerous Board positions during his career and currently is the Chairman of the Board for Orbital Data Net, Inc., in Columbia, Missouri.

John and his wife Carol, live on a ranch in Driftwood, Texas, a small Hill Country town 25 miles southwest of Austin.